Thomas Baker Oration 2025

Thomas Baker Oration - 14 May 2025 

Speaker Dr Megan Clark AC, Chancellor Monash University, Former head of CSIRO, 1st CEO Australia's Space Agency

Topic “Breakthrough Technology” 

Time 12.30 for 12.50-2.00pm

Venue Level 1 Latrobe Room, Sofitel Melbourne on Collins (note in person only event)

Price $65 (2course lunch @ Sofitel)

The Oration looks to commemorate Thomas Baker, Philanthropist and our 9th President by showcasing Australians who have demonstrated leadership and innovation in the fields of medicine/science/technology/industry and philanthropy. His legacy as an entrepreneurial industrialist with a concern for humanity has been emulated through many distinguished Australians.

 We are delighted to have esteemed scientist Dr Megan Clark AC deliver the 9th Thomas Baker Orations.

 Dr Clark, is an Australian geologist and business executive, former director of the CSIRO, inaugural head of the Australian Space Agency, and newly appointed Chancellor of Monash University and is renowned for her significant contributions to science and technology in Australia.

In 2009 she was appointed Chief Executive of the CSIRO, making her its first female chief executive.  Under her leadership CSIRO was credited for a number of new ventures, including wireless research.

She chaired the Review of Australia’s Space Industry Capability in March 2018 and served as the inaugural Head of the Australian Space Agency from 2018 to 2020 before she became Chair of the Agency’s advisory board, and prior to that served as Chief Executive of Australia’s leading science and technology organisation, the CSIRO.

Dr Clark is the first woman to be appointed to the position of Chancellor at Monash University.

In recognition of her professional career Dr Clark was awarded a Companion of the Order of Australia for eminent service to scientific research and development in 2014 and the prestigious Australian Academy of Science Medal in 2019. She is a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technological Science and Engineering (ATSE), and holds a bachelor’s degree with first class honours from the University of Western Australia and a PhD in Economic Geology from Queen’s University, Canada.

Dr Clark will speak on the topic of 'Breakthrough Technology - what leaders should know'.